I made this sensory activity for my daughter about a week ago and it’s been used daily since. She loves it , the colors, the sounds the blocks make in the dish and the different shapes and textures too. When you are thinking of activities for infants you must consider safety first and remember things that older children may be bored to tears with will probably be perfectly stimulating for an infant or young toddler. As always remember you must supervise your kids carefully, especially infants.
- Gather your materials. You will need a dish shallow enough for little hands to reach in,baby blocks of different size and/or shape and color. Most of our blocks are hard with a few squeaky blocks mixed in. Make sure you are comfortable with your baby mouthing the contents as that is the main way infants explore and they are big enough not to pose a choking risk.
- Have a helper pop them in the dish for you.
- Play.
- She loves it.
It’s loud especially if you have them in a high chair and a wood floor. Label the blocks for them as they hold them, but let them explore without narration too.
This is why you need to be ok with them mouthing the contents, it’s developmentally appropriate and feels especially good on teething gums. If they are not interested or turn their heads avoiding looking at the tub , remove it. An overstimulated infant is no fun for them or you and if it’s too much that’s ok. Snuggle, sing, read or go for a quiet walk.
Melitsa says
cute! We call this something similar- Treasure Baskets in the UK 🙂 a little different ( often natural objects) but similar concept.
Tiffany says
Great idea!!!! Thanks!
The Activity Mom says
Great idea! I like that they both had fun with it!
Renee says
More of these, supermom! We’d be lost without your site, and my littlest one is insatiably curious!
EEK says
Clever! I’d love to see more ideas for infants/babies.
Rebecca says
So cute!
Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog says
Oh my goodness, she is adorable!! Love this activity — what a wonderful way for infants to explore. 🙂
admin says
Oh I was going to snap a picture of her this afternoon for you – she was wearing one of the bibs you made <3
April Driggers says
Thanks for the idea! I’ve got a 9 month old… he’s just right for this type of activity now. 🙂
Brenna says
How did she get so big already?!? Love the sensory tub already. I don’t think most people would think babies could enjoy something like that at an early age. Almost makes me want a baby around. Almost. 😉
Kris Pearson says
Clever! I’d love to see more ideas for infants/babies.
Amanda says
omg I love the pictures here! She is so cute! I saw a gears and whatever high chair toy for kids for $20 and I was like I know if I put blocks in a bin, any kids is gonna think that’s fun – and we can buy other things way more fun! And Your daughter is my proof!
Jessica says
What are the hard blocks pictured? I’ve never seen them before, looks like they would be a lot easier for my 15 month old to put together than duplos.
I have become a big fan of your blog. I value the way you take care to describe the process…things you think about, what your children do during the activity, how you interact with them. It’s very instructive and helpful!
admin says
Thanks Jessica I hope my blog is helpful it’s definitely my goal. The blocks are Little People blocks and are way easier for little ones to put together. Here is a link to them Fisher-Price Little People Builders Classic Shapes Blocks
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Trisha Roberts says
Blocks are great! You could also do a sensory tub with other items that are shaped differently, made of a variety of textures,and require a different grasp to secure and hold: a tub with plastic, cloth/stuffed, or wooden animals, for example.
Make sure that all items are larger than your child’s closed fist–anything smaller poses a choking hazard!
Trisha Roberts, Pediatric Physical Therapist
http://www.proeducationaltoys.com or http://www.proeducationtoys.blogspot.com